Sporting Frustration For Reds

It was a disappointing night for Liverpool's youngsters in Portugal as they lost 5-1 to Sporting Lisbon in the NextGen Series.

With qualification for the next stage of the competition already ensured, Rodolfo Borrell's side set out with the aim of trying to be the first team to beat the Portugese outfit in the competition so far.

Sa Pinto's side played some fantastic football at times and were 2-0 up inside the opening 34 minutes thanks to Edgar's free-kick and a fine effort from Carlos Chaby.

Michael Ngoo got the Reds back into it just before the break when he netted his first goal of the season after being set up by Raheem Sterling.

In the second half Sporting Lisbon turned on the style. Betinho made it 3-1 with a stunning overhead kick, then added another with a clinical header.

Substitute Gael Etock came off the bench to net a stunning goal with his first touch to make it 5-1.

Reflecting on the night's proceedings, Borrell said: "We need to improve a lot to compete with sides of the quality of Sporting Lisbon.

"The difference in quality was massive on the night but we will find solutions tactically to face these kind of teams in the future.

"Sporting Lisbon is a really good team but we need to keep going, work hard every day and improve so we are ready for the next stage of this tournament.

"In the first half we created some good chances but it was a disappointing night."